JP2003502750A - Operating element - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, at least an operating element having a first operating element (112) rotatable about a first axis (122) is provided. A second actuating element (114) is provided, the second actuating element (114) being rotatable about a second axis (124) that does not coincide with the first axis (122). It is suggested that there be. In a particularly advantageous configuration of the operating element, means (150, 160) are provided for influencing the rotational moment required to rotate at least one operating element (112; 114). Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the operating device including the operating element (110), the control unit (180) is provided, and the control unit (180) controls at least one of the operating elements (112; 114). It is proposed that the rotational moment required to rotate be influenced in a context-related manner. The operating element or the operating device according to the invention allows a good tactile response and / or user guidance when adjusting a parameter or reading through a selection list, so that the operating element or the operating element provides a selection list. Eye contact to the pointer that is moved within is eliminated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention starts from an operating element of the type described in the preamble of the independent claims.

Operating devices are known for personal computers. This operating device
It has a spherical operating element, for example in the form of a so-called "computer mouse" or "trackball". The trackball is provided in a portable personal computer. Generally, the operating device is used for two-dimensional input in order to control the position of the pointer within a two-dimensional menu displayed on a computer screen, for example. In this case, usually the spherical operating elements provided in such known operating devices are mounted in such a way that the translational movement of the sphere is largely prevented inside the casing surrounding the sphere.

[0003] Further, from WO 98/54670, an operating device is known which comprises a spherical operating element in the form of a restable trackball. In this case, the spherical operating element described in WO 98/54670 has on its surface a recessed recess for resting the rest element. This allows an improved tactile response to the operator that corresponds to the degree of adjustment of the adjustable parameter by means of the spherical operating element. This may eliminate the need for temporary control of the parameter to be adjusted. The device described above is therefore particularly suitable for use in equipment where provisional control of the parameter to be adjusted is not possible or difficult.

Furthermore, one-dimensional operating elements are known, for example in the form of rotary potentiometers or rotary increment detectors. This operating element is rotatable about its axis of rotation and allows adjustment of parameters. Various parameters to be adjusted can be assigned to such operating elements, for example by means of function keys.

A likewise known refinement of such a one-dimensional operating element constitutes a one-dimensional rotation detector with a rest, which is set invariantly by a rest spring and a corresponding rest mark. There is.

[0006] Advantages of the invention According to the invention, an operating element of the type provided with a first actuating element rotatable about a first axis is provided with the features of the independent claim. An operating element, i.e. at least one second actuating element, which is rotatable about a second axis which does not coincide with the first axis. The operating element has the advantage that the two parameters can be adjusted independently of each other by means of only one operating element. This makes it possible to control one pointer in the two-dimensional selection list. In this case, unlike a single spherical operating element designed as a two-dimensional operating element, an undesired misalignment in the operating element, for example on the basis of vibrations or missing optical responses, results in each operating element of the operating element. Is blocked by having only one dimension associated with each.

In a particularly advantageous configuration of the actuating element according to the invention, the second actuating element is of rotationally symmetrical design, such that the second actuating element at least partially surrounds the first actuating element. At least two actuating elements are arranged in the. As a result, the user does not have to look for the operating element without looking directly at the operating element and from searching for the position of the first operating element of the operating element to search for another operating element by a slight translational movement of the operating hand. The advantage is that you can find it.

The structuring of the surface of at least one operating element is also particularly advantageous. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to increase the gripping or manipulating of each actuating element and, on the other hand, to convey to the user a tactile impression of the possible rotational degrees of freedom of each actuating element. Because.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if means are provided for influencing the rotational moment required for rotating at least one actuating element of the operating element. This gives the user a tactile response regarding the current value of the parameter to be adjusted, for example when adjusting one parameter via the operating element, or the user has reached one end of the numerical range of the parameter to be adjusted. A tactile response about what they did is given.

The last case mentioned above, namely the tactile transmission of the impression as to the extent of one parameter position, in particular by means for influencing the rotational moment required for rotating at least one actuating element This is possible if a rotational moment profile is created that causes the actuating element to rest.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in the operating element according to the invention that the spacing of the pause marks is not invariable, unlike the mechanical solution mentioned at the beginning, but is variable, for example in relation to the context. Thus, for example when using the operating element according to the invention as a volume control for a car radio, a number of rest marks can also be distributed over one revolution of the operating element. This makes it possible to cover the entire volume range with a sufficiently high resolution with just one revolution. On the other hand, when the operating element is used as a source changeover switch, for example for a car radio, only a few pause marks, each assigned to one sound source, are distributed over one revolution of the operating element. Well, by this
For example, a tactile sensation that is accustomed to home audio equipment is provided to the user.

[0012]   Example description   Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an operating device 10 with an embodiment of an operating element 110 according to the invention.
0 is shown schematically. The operating element 110 is a first operating element 112.
And a second actuation element 114. In this case, the first actuating element 112 and the second actuating element 114 are each rotatable about the correspondingly arranged rotation axis. For this purpose, the first actuating element 112 is
Is fixed to a shaft 122 of the second actuating element 114 and the second actuating element 114 is fixed to a second shaft 124. Further, both shafts 122 and 124 themselves are rotatably supported by a bearing 126. The axes of rotation of the two actuating elements 112, 114 are therefore aligned with the two axes 122, 124 on which the two actuating elements 112, 114 are arranged.

Although the bearing 126 is formed as a simple sliding bearing in this embodiment,
It may also be realized in a form known per se in the form of ball bearings or roller bearings or comparable bearings.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first shaft 122 that simultaneously forms the rotation axis of the first actuation element 112 and the second shaft 124 that also simultaneously forms the rotation axis of the second actuation element 114. , Located exactly or at least approximately perpendicular to each other. But,
In principle, a different relative arrangement of the at least two rotary shafts 122,124 of the at least two actuating elements 112,114 is also possible.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first actuating element 112 is formed in the shape of a sphere and the second actuating element 114 is formed in the shape of a hemisphere. This hemisphere partially surrounds the first actuation element 112. Both actuating elements 112, 114 thus form a substantially spherical operating element 110 with a total of two rotational degrees of freedom. In this case, the user guidance is already provided by associating the defined regions (upper hemisphere and lower hemisphere 114 in FIG. 1) of the operating element 110 with different axes of rotation.

The surfaces of both actuating elements 112, 114 are structured and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 have creases 113, 115 respectively. This line 113,115
Are oriented horizontally in the first actuating element 112 and vertically in the second actuating element 114. The creases 113, 115 serve to convey tactile information to the operator via the possible rotational degrees of freedom of each actuating element 112, 114. Furthermore, the surface structuring part is provided for each actuation element 112
; 114 also works to increase the grippability (Griffigkeit) or operability.

According to an advantageous refinement of the operating element 110 according to the invention, means 150, 160 are provided for influencing the rotational moment required for rotating at least one actuating element 112, 114. There is. This means 150,
160 is formed in the form of an actuator in this embodiment. This actuator is not only capable of passively deactivating one or both actuating elements 112, 114 at a temporary deactivation mark formed in context, for example by means for influencing 150, 160. One or both actuating elements 112, 114 can be actively jumped from a temporary rest position to the next rest position after displacement.

To this end, a shaft 122, which is arranged corresponding to both actuating elements 112, 114,
First gears 156 and 166 are arranged on the respective 124. Further, the first gears 156 and 166 mesh with other gears 154 and 164 arranged on the shaft of the first motor 152 and the shaft of the second motor 162. First motor 1
52 and the second motor 162 include gears 156, 1 arranged on the shafts 122, 124.
66 together with gears 154, 164 arranged on the motor shaft form means 150, 160 or actuators for influencing the rotational moment required to rotate the actuating elements 112; 114.

The operating element 110 described above, which comprises both actuating elements 112, 114, forms part of the operating device 100.

In addition to the original operating element 110, the operating device 100 also has an evaluation section for checking the degree of rotation of the operating elements 112 and 114 here. To this end, the first actuating element 112 and the second actuating element 114 are
The first converter 130 and the second converter 140 are arranged corresponding to each other. The transducers 130, 140 are adapted to identify the degree of rotation and direction of rotation of each actuating element 112, 114 and to generate a signal indicating the degree and direction of rotation, respectively.

The converters 130 and 140 of this embodiment have a pair of light emitters 135 and 136, respectively. The light emitters 135 and 136 are arranged side by side in parallel to the axes 122 and 124. A pair of photodetectors 13 facing the light emitters 135 and 136.
7,138 are arranged. In this case, the first light emitter 135 and the first photodetector 137 and the second light emitter 136 and the second photodetector 138 each form a light barrier. The light emitter 135 of each converter 130, 140,
In the intermediate chamber between 136 and the photodetectors 137, 138, one coding disc 132; 142 is located, respectively. The coding discs 132; 142 are axially connected to the shafts 122; 124. Each of the coding discs 132, 142 is provided with a plurality of radially arranged slits 133, by means of which the corresponding photodetectors 137 located opposite each other generated by the light emitters 135, 136. , 138, a light beam directed to the corresponding actuating element 1
12, 114 and thus the corresponding coding disks 132, 134 are alternately transmitted or blocked during rotation.

Each of the encoding disks 132 and 142 blocks two light beams emitted from the light emitters 137 and 138, respectively. In this case, the slits 133 provided in the coding disks 132 and 142 are arranged at intervals of the light emitters 137 and 138 or the photodetector 1.
The light beam emitted from the light emitting device 138 is partially blocked when the light beam of the light emitting device 137 is completely transmitted through the slit 133 in cooperation with the distance between the light emitting device 135 and the light emitting device 137. Has been done.

The interruption of the light beam based on the rotation of the encoding disks 132 and 142 is detected by the photodetector 13.
5, 136. The photodetectors 135, 136 generate signals in the form of pulses.

FIG. 2B shows the time course of this pulse-shaped signal. First signal 1
70 is generated by the first photodetector 135 and the second signal 171 is generated by the second photodetector 136. At time 172 shown in FIG. 2B, the first
Signal 170 has a maximum intensity corresponding to the complete transmission of the light beam of the first light emitter 137, whereas the second signal 171 lags behind the first signal 170. ing. This is because the light beam of the second light emitter 138 is only partially transmitted. The number of pulses represents the degree to which the corresponding coding disc 132; 142 is rotated. The sequence or the temporal position of the pulses of the two signals 170, 171 with respect to one another makes it possible to obtain information about the direction of rotation of the coding disks 132; 142 and thus of the correspondingly arranged actuating elements 112, 114.

In this case, it is important that the above-mentioned effect does not occur when the pulses inside both signals 170 and 171 occur at the same time or at the same intervals. In this case, the direction cannot be recognized.

[0027]   The output signals of the converters 130 and 140 are supplied to the evaluation / control circuit 180.

The evaluation / control circuit 180 has a memory not separately shown in FIG.
This memory stores the rotational moment progression. This rotational moment profile is assigned to each actuating element 112; 114 in connection with the respective context, ie in relation to the currently called selection list or the selection list passed by one actuating element 112; 114.

FIG. 3 illustrates a selection list 200 as is also known by popular computer programs used in offices, for example. The selection list 200 includes content 2 shown horizontally for a display instrument not shown in FIG.
It has a one-dimensional selection list 270 with 71, 272, 273. The contents 271, 272, 273 of the selection list 270 are, in the present example of FIG. 3, selection of a radio broadcasting station to be received by the radio receiver (271), adjustment of the reproduction volume of the radio receiver (272), and radio receiver. It may be an adjustment of the sound (273) with an acoustic scale known per se on the basis of the technology.

Selection of one of the contents 271, 272, 273 of the selection list 270 is
This is done by rotation of a second actuating element 114, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation which lies vertically in the drawing. In this case, this second actuating element 114
In order to rotate, the rotational moment, which is assigned by the control unit 180 and which influences the second actuating element 114 via the actuator 160, must be overcome. In order to show the resting effect obtained in this case, the curve 280 of the moment value is exaggerated in FIG. Selectable contents 271,272
, 273 are assigned the rest position of the second actuating element 114 at pivot angles 0 °, 90 ° and 180 °. In order to move the actuating element 114 or the pointer controlled by this actuating element 114 away from the contents 271, 272, 273 inside the selection list 270, a relatively high rotational moment has to be surpassed. However, if this moment of rotation is transcended, then this moment of rotation will be at a defined angular position, eg about 4 °.
Starting from 5 °, automatically jump to the next content 272 of the selection list 270 and pause there. This is symbolized by the process shown at 280.

The second actuating element 114 is rotated or rotated over an angle of 180 ° or 0 ° depending on the positive or negative direction of rotation, and thus the associated pointer is moved beyond the contents 273; 271. When this is done, the rotational moment required to rotate the actuating element 112 increases to a high value. This provides the operator with a tactile response (haptisch. Rueckmeldung) that the operator is approaching the end of the current selection list 270. Nevertheless, if the actuating element 112 is subsequently moved, the pointer is moved from the last entry 273 of the list 270 to the first entry 271 again or from the first entry 271 to the last entry 273 depending on the direction of rotation of the actuation element 112. You can jump to.

For example, the point 271 has been selected, that is, for example, for a plurality of radio stations,
When one radio station is selected from the stored list, selectable radio stations 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 21
Another selection list 210, here arranged vertically, with 8, 219 is shown on the display unit. To the right is the course 220 of the rotational moment required to rotate the first actuating element 112 for the purpose of passing the wrist 210.
Is exaggerated. This progress 220 is, for example, broadcast station 21 of the selection list 210
After displacement of the actuating element 112 from the rest position corresponding to 3, the actuating element 112 and the pointer moved by the actuating element 112 pivot to the next adjacent radio station 214; 212 in the list 210. It is also characterized by automatically jumping and resting there depending on the direction.
The course of moment values 225 shows this again.

If the second list point 272 of the selection list 270, ie volume adjustment, is selected, another selection list 230 is shown vertically on the display unit. The selection list 230 includes values 231, 232, 233, 234, 2 corresponding to a number of volume values.
35, 236, 237, 238, 239. The control unit 18 also adjusts the volume.
0 assigns a rotational moment profile with an amount 240 above the angular position of the second actuating element 114. The quantity 240 is of the actuation element 114,
Since it has a slightly wavy profile over the angular range 0 ° to 270 ° assigned to the entire working range 231-239, a simple resting effect is obtained when the range is passed.
This gives the operator a tactile response regarding the extent of the parameter adjustment, here the volume adjustment, made by the operating element 110.

Finally, when the third point 273 of the list 270, that is, the acoustic adjustment is selected, the control unit 180 also displays the vertically extending selection list 250 on the display unit. The selection list 250 extends from a very low-pitched sound 251 to a very high-pitched sound 253 via a coordinated adjustment position 252 representing a mid-tone. Assigned to the first actuation element 112 by the controller 180,
The acoustic adjustment course 260 is similar to the volume adjustment course 240, but has a clearly perceptible pause mark in the region of the midtone position 252.

As is apparent from the embodiments described above, the individual assignment of the defined rotational moment profile of the actuating element 110 to one actuating element 112; 114 is possible in relation to the parameter to be adjusted. In this case, not only the absolute height of the rotational moment required to rotate the one actuating element 112; 114, but also the distribution of the rest marks to the circumferential surface or the entire circumference of the one actuating element 112; It becomes possible to set related. Thus, for example, a high resolution of, for example, a large number of volume values and thus pause marks, i.e. a volume in a wide volume range and thus an adjustment range, is not only distributed, for example to 3/4 of the circumference of the actuating element, but also for example in the selection list 270. Only three entries 27
It is also possible to distribute 1,272,273 over half the circumference of the second actuating element 114.

However, it is likewise possible to assign a smooth rotational moment progression to the particular parameter to be adjusted without a pause mark or to a constant rotational moment. In this way it is also possible to assign the tactile sensation, which is accustomed to by conventional acoustic potentiometers, to the volume control, eg for audio equipment.

Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the rotational moments required to rotate both actuating elements 112, 114 of the operating element 110 independently of each other. In particular, for example, if only one-dimensional selection list is given, one actuating element 112; 114 is completely locked, and thus the operator is given a tactile response regarding that only one-dimensional selection list is given. It is also possible to tell. Thus, for example in the case of wrist 270, first actuation element 112 may be completely locked. This gives the operator the additional information that the selection list 270 provided in one dimension obviously extends horizontally but not vertically. Therefore, the operating element 1
Tactile user guidance may also be obtained by appropriate loading of the ten actuation elements 112, 114.

Furthermore, within the framework of the invention, the actuating element 112 of the operating element 110,
Different from FIG. 1, 114 is not formed into a substantially spherical shape or a hemispherical shape. Thus, the actuating element is, for example, in the form of a wheel 117 arranged on the second shaft 124 and a drum 116 arranged on the first shaft 122, as shown in FIG. 1A.
It may be formed in the form of. However, the actuating element of the actuating element 110 may be formed, for example, in the form of an ellipse (first actuating element 118) and in the form of a semi-ellipse (second actuating element 119).

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   1 is a block circuit diagram of an operating device equipped with an operating element according to the invention.

FIG. 1A   It is a figure which shows the 1st selective structure of an operating element.

FIG. 1B   It is a figure which shows the 2nd selective structure of an operating element.

[FIG. 2A]   FIG. 6 shows a coding disc as part of a converter.

2B shows the time course of the pulse-shaped signal generated by the transducer as a result of the rotation of both actuating elements of the actuating element. FIG.

3 exemplarily shows a selection list with the associated course of rotational moments which influences the actuating elements of the operating element.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 operating device, 110 operating element, 112 actuating element, 114 actuating element, 113 streak, 115 streak, 116 drum, 117 wheel, 118 actuating element, 119 actuating element, 122 shaft, 124 shaft, 126 bearing, 130 transducer, 1
32 coded disc, 133 slit, 135 light emitter or photodetector, 136 light emitter or photodetector, 137 light emitter or photodetector, 13
8 light emitter or photodetector, 140 converter, 142 encoding disc,
150 Means, 152 Motor, 154 Gear, 156 Gear, 160
Means, 162 motor, 164 gear, 166 gear, 170 signal, 171 signal, 172 time point, 180 evaluation / control circuit, 200 selection list, 210 selection list, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215
, 216, 217, 218, 219 Radio stations, 220, 225
Progress, 230 selection list, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235,
236, 237, 238, 239 values, 240 quantities, 250 selection lists,
251 sound, 252 midtone position, 253 sound, 260 passage, 2
70 selection list, 271 contents, 272 contents, 273 contents

[Procedure for Amendment] Submission for translation of Article 34 Amendment of Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] June 25, 2001 (2001.6.25)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[Claims]

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── [Continued summary] / Or user guidance is available, Element or in this selection list by this operating element No need for eye contact with a pointer Become.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An actuating element of the type provided with a first actuating element (112) rotatable about a first axis (122), at least one second actuating element. (114) is provided and the second actuating element (114) is not aligned with the first axis (122).
124) An operating element, characterized in that it is rotatable about a center. 2. The second actuating element (114) is rotationally symmetrical and the second actuating element (114) is the first actuating element (112).
So as to at least partially surround the at least two actuating elements (11
2. The operating element according to claim 1, in which 2, 114) are arranged. 3. A substantially spherical structure is provided, the first actuating element (112) being substantially spherical and the second actuating element (114).
3. The actuating element according to claim 1, wherein the) is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape so as to at least partially surround the first actuating element (112). 4. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein the first shaft (122) and the second shaft (124) are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. 5. Structured on the surface of at least one actuating element (112; 114) in order to improve the grip of at least one actuating element (112; 114) and / or to define the possible direction of rotation. Operating element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a part (113, 115) is provided. 6. Means (150,1) for influencing the rotational moment required to rotate at least one actuating element (112; 114).
60) An operating element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is provided. 7. Means (150,1) for influencing the rotational moment required for rotating at least one actuating element (112; 114).
7. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein 60) is embodied in the form of an actuator. 8. An operating device comprising an operating element (110) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a control part (180) is provided, which control part (180) comprises at least one actuating element (112). 114) in relation to the rotational moment required to rotate the device; 114, in relation to the context.